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Home -> Shop By Store -> Arthritis-RheumatoidArthritis-RheumatoidWhat is Arthritis-Rheumatoid?Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease in which the joints, which hold two or more bones together, become inflamed and cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. Eventually, the affected joint becomes deformed. Rheumatoid arthritis most commonly affects the joints in the hands and feet, as well as the shoulders, jaw, hips, and knees. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age, but most often appears first between the ages of 25 and 50. Causes Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune disease. Our bodies' immune cells attack and kill what they see as foreign invaders, usually bacteria, viruses, and fungi. However, with autoimmune diseases, something causes the immune system to see the body's own tissues as foreign invaders. With rheumatoid arthritis, the immune cells, called antibodies, crowd into the joints and the joint lining becomes inflamed. This causes swelling and stiffness. Normally, the inflammation goes away after the body has fought the infection. However, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition, which means the symptoms occur frequently, over a long period of time. Symptoms Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the joints on both sides of the body. So, if the right hip is affected, so will the left. Some people will have only one attack of rheumatoid arthritis, but most will have one, then a period where they are arthritis-free, and then another attack. These flare-ups usually continue until the time between flare-ups is briefer and briefer, and the symptoms are worse each time. Some flare-ups last only a few days; some last for weeks. The joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis have a membrane, called the synovial membrane, that produces synovial fluid to keep the joints lubricated and to help the bones move smoothly around the joint. Other symptoms include redness and warmth around the affected joint, low fever, appetite and weight loss, and fatigue. Eventually, the joint becomes deformed, the cartilage is destroyed, and the unprotected bone begins to wear away. The joints can become 'stuck' in one position, called contractures. Rheumatoid arthritis that begins with a high fever and other general symptoms is called Still's disease. Diagnosis The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are similar to many other conditions, so a diagnosis is made based upon a pattern of symptoms and the results of some specific tests. First, your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms, and perform a careful examination.Doctor will order blood tests and x-rays of the painful joints. In most people with rheumatoid arthritis, a test of the blood's erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which are the red blood cells, will show an increase. Most patients will also have mild anemia, which is a low red blood count, and an antibody in the blood called rheumatoid factor. But, a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, anemia, and the presence of rheumatoid factor can also indicate other diseases. The x-rays of a person with rheumatoid arthritis, however, will show changes in the joints. Your doctor will also numb the joint area, then insert a long, thin needle into an affected synovial joint and withdraw a sample of the synovial fluid. By examining this fluid under a microscope, your doctor will be able to look for signs of inflammation. |
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